The Caged Lion eBook

He was then reminded how, in the winter, Henry had
lost the ring, and after having caused another to
be made at Paris, had found it in the finger of his
gauntlet. Very few knew of the existence of this
duplicate. Bedford himself was not aware of it
till it had been mentioned by James and Lord Fitzhugh
the chamberlain; and then search was made for it,
without effect, so that it evidently had been left
with the Queen. These private signets were of
the utmost importance, far more so than even the autograph;
for, though signatures were just acquiring individuality
enough to become the best authentication, yet up to
this very reign the seal was the only valid affirmation.
Such signets were always destroyed on a prince’s
death, and it was of the utmost importance that the
duplicate should not be left in Queen Catherine’s
hands—­above all, while she was with her
mother and her party, who were quite capable of affixing
it to forgeries.

Bedford, James, and Fitzhugh were all required at
Vincennes; the two latter at the lying-in-state in
the chapel. Most of the other trusty nobles
had repaired to the army; and, indeed, Bedford, aware
of the terrible jealousies that were sure to break
out in the headless realm, did not choose to place
a charge that might hereafter prove invidious in the
hands of any Englishman, or to extend the secret any
further than could be helped; since who could tell
what suspicion might not be thus cast on any paper
sealed by Henry?

In his perplexity, James had suggested young Malcolm,
who had assisted in the search for the lost ring,
and been witness to its discovery; and whom he could
easily send as bearer of his condolences to the widowed
Queen; who had indeed the entree of the palace,
but had no political standing, was neither French
nor English, and had shown himself discreet enough
with other secrets to deserve confidence.

Bedford caught at the proposal. And Malcolm
now received orders to take horse, with a sufficient
escort, and hasten at once to Paris, where he should
try if possible to obtain the ring from the Queen herself;
but if he could not speak to her in private, he might
apply to Sir Lewis Robsart. No other person
was to be informed of the real object of the mission,
and he was to get back to Vincennes as soon as possible.

Neither prince could understand the scared, distressed
looks with which Malcolm listened to commands showing
so much confidence in a youth of his years.
They encouraged him by assurances that Sir Lewis Robsart,
who had a curious kind of authority, half fatherly,
half nurselike, over the Queen, would manage all for
him. And King James, provoked by his reluctance,
began, as they left Bedford’s chamber, to chide
him for ungraciousness in the time of distress, and
insensibility to the honour conferred on him.

‘Nay, nay,’ disclaimed Malcolm, almost
ready to weep, ’but I have a whole world of
penance!’

’Penance! Plague on the boy’s perverseness!
What penance is so good as obedience?’ said
James, much displeased.